A SHOUT FROM THE UNIVERSE – AND I SHOUT BACK

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Every once in awhile something comes along that makes me shout YESSSSSS!!!! to the heavens.

Just now was that something.

And in what has come to be the norm for me, the experience has connections to both my fiction and nonfiction.

To put it into context I need to explain that I have been working most of the day on the next two Dragon Core novels.

I’ve got a bit of which comes first the chicken or the egg thing going.

Needing a bit of a break I decided to go check email after which, upon logging out, I got to see random headlines.  One that was off to the side really got my attention:  

The universe may have had no beginning.

I was more than a little intrigued as this is something I’ve been telling various folks since 1979.

Big Bang.  As I write in After Here: The Celestial Plane and What Happens When We Die, in August 1979, I had a Near Death Experience during which I was given a great deal of scientific information and shown mathematical principles that don’t always jibe with commonly accepted theory.

My high school physics and math teachers knew where I was coming from .  Elementary school?  Not so much.

Some of the more profound revelations were about our universe.  Specifically, that multiple universes exist, and, that time and space are separate.

 Outside a handful of individuals, it wasn’t until I got to college that I was able to find people that not only followed this logic but understood it is supported by science and math.

Einstein Almost Got It Right.  I remember explaining to a couple of engineers that, based on what I understood from the NDE, Einstein “almost had it right.”

I went on to theorize that if he hadn’t died he probably would have figured it out.

The World That I Know.  The need to better understand what I saw and experienced during the NDE drove me to study math and science which came in handy when I was trying to find remedies for EMF Sensitivity and while I was happy to publish my findings in order to help others, my heart was in fiction.

Perspective Is Everything.   I have a passion for believable characters.  To that end, I draw from education and experience when creating not only the characters but the world(s) they live in.  

Multiple universes and time travel is no exception.

It’s About Time.  While the Metatron’s Army series definitely has its roots in the NDE, I’ve incorporated lessons learned in other books.

Including Lessons From the Edge: An Author’s Guide to Metatron’s Army, which includes the Lecture On Time given to me that I included in Bishop Pair, Book Two in the series.

Time and Space Are Separate.  Though a great deal of the information about time and space as I’ve come to understand it was given to me during the NDE, as I explain in Lessons From the Edge, my education on these concepts didn’t stop there.  

While putting the Metatron’s Army Universe together, I was given additional information including how the commonly accepted theory of relativity is incomplete if not inaccurate.

I didn’t include these particular concepts in the Metatron’s Army** series, but I did include them in Dragon Core, beginning with Cauldron of the Gods.

There is a scene where Lucas explains the concepts of time and space to Clare.  This was drawn from what I know about how the universe – and space and time – work.

This information is presented again in The Isle of Future Past which is set for release Autumn 2021.

Full Circle. When I saw these principles that I’ve understood and openly talked about since I was ten in the animated presentation I shouted YESSSSSSSSSS!

For me there is no clearer sense of vindication of a perspective as reality.

I look forward to sharing more with readers in the years to come.

Stay tuned!

** I explain how time is a manmade construct in The Lecture on Time as well as in The Isle of Future Past, using the [true] information as part of the plot.

BRINGING A STORY TO LIFE: MUSIC TO MY EARS

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The time after handing a manuscript to a beta reader can be challenging in that if I don’t have a project in the works I need to tune in and decide what’s next.  Even when I do know what I want to work on it can be difficult to take time to ponder.

Pulling creative whisps from the ether to shape into characters, settings, plots and subplots.

It’s a tricky business when thoughts get in the way of the creative process.  

Especially thoughts of what I “should” do.

I’ve come up with a few tricks, my favorite of which is listening to music.

As opposed to doing housework.

A fan of playlists I have music that relaxes, music that inspires, music that evokes specific emotion(s), and music that serves no other purpose than to be background noise.

Background noise doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the music.  It’s simply music that isn’t distracting to the creative process.

This morning while working on firming up the opening scene for the next Dragon Core book I put on a playlist – a recent creation – songs with a specific theme.

This list serves multiple purposes depending what is going on.

I was about 2/3 of the way through the list when the lyrics of the song that was playing came into sharp focus.

Now and Forever.

I realized it was perfect for the playlist I had yet to create for the book I’m working on.

It’s almost eerie how perfectly the song matched the scene I was working on.

Happy with that bit of progress I created the playlist and added the song to it.  When the next song started I found that it, too, fit the scene.  

Interesting that The End of Dragons will fit into [at least] two upcoming Dragon Core novel playlists.

At this point I took a step back to consider whether the album the songs were from would fit the book if not the series.

Similar to how Nigel Stanford’s Solar Echoes fits the Metatron’s Army series, with  Entropy perfectly setting the mood for the opening scene in Advantage, first in the series, and Sea of Tranquility perfectly framing the ambush scene in Diagonals, Book 10 in the series.

Though I won’t be putting every song from Gary Numan’s Intruder album into the Daemon playlist, I will be adding several that serve as inspiration for various parts of the story.

I anticipate Daemon will be ready late winter/early spring.

The Isle of Future Past, also a Dragon Core novel, will be ready autumn 2021.

Stay tuned

BRINGING A STORY TO LIFE: WHAT’S IN A NAME?

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All in all a successful weekend.

How’s that for a lead-in?

Thanks to a visit with friends I discovered some new music.

The title track is absolutely haunting.  I love this album!

After finishing the Dragon Core novel currently under construction I went to lunch as a way to clear the mind of current projects and ended up confirming recent observations shared in Ignoring the Rules.

Yesterday evening after a final check I turned the Dragon Core story over to the beta reader and though I am really happy with how things turned out, I’m also a bit worn out.

This story ended up being quite the challenge.

When a Working Title Doesn’t.  More often than not I have a title in mind when I start a new work and this Dragon Core piece was no different.  

I try to make the titles relevant to what is going on in the book, often finding ways to have the title itself appear in the story.  

That’s where the trouble began.  

Too Much Going On.  As I got toward the end of the first draft I started to see that something was off.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t in a position to be able to analyze the problem.

I was on a trip wherein I was doing final research for Ignoring the Rules: An Intriguing Approach to Resolving Calcium Toxicity as well as getting the book ready for purchase.

Pushing the problem to the mental back burner I focused on other tasks.  

Aha!  I am one of those who finds shower time to be a great source of inspiration as new ideas and problem resolutions present themselves.

Popular theory is that the negative ions from the warm water stimulate creative flow in the brain.

The morning after setting the Dragon Core puzzle aside it occurred to me that simply changing the title to the story might solve the issue.  As a result The Day Before became Dream Keeper.

As I was editing the story with an eye to the new angle it became apparent that while the new title was an improvement, things were still off.  Deciding it really did need to be set aside because I had other things to deal with I pushed it to the mental back burner and head to the hotel bar to work on Ignoring the Rules.

At that time of night it was empty but for one guy sitting at the bar talking to the woman who, in addition to her work, was helping housekeeping staff that was understaffed catch up.

Even as I put the finishing touches on the nonfiction manuscript I couldn’t stop thinking about what was off with Dream Keeper.  As I stared out the window, the businessman’s conversation background chatter I realized the title didn’t honor the other characters let alone the complex plot.  I tweaked the title again and set it aside.

The story was still under construction and as there was no pending deadline like there was with Ignoring the Rules, I decided I’d eventually get it figured out which enabled me to relax and enjoy the rest of the trip.

All That Work!  When I got home, with Ignoring the Rules available, I turned my attention to finishing Dream Keepers and though I was making progress I was still aware there was a serious problem with the title.

It did not do justice to the supporting characters or the complexity of the story both as it stands on its own and as it fits into the series.

I was also staring another issue in the face.  I’d already completed the cover.  If I changed the title to Dream Keepers – with an S added to the 2nd version of the title – I was going to have to redo the cover design.

Though it seems simple enough it wasn’t.  I liked what I had.

Once again pushing the problem aside I focused on finishing the manuscript.  

Right In Front of You.  I was about two thirds of the way through the final version when I realized the title was already in the book!

And had been there all along!

As I sat there staring at the scene it occurred to me that if I adopted this phrase as the title to the book not only did it honor the characters and the plot, it kept the book’s context within the Dragon Core series in tact.

And as a bonus I didn’t have to change the cover beyond updating the text to reflect the new title!

The Isle of Future Past is on target for a fall 2021 release.

Though I’m hoping to have it available by the end of October I have several other projects including another nonfiction booklet for The World of EMF and a number of videos I only recently found locations for shooting in the queue.

Stay tuned!

IGNORING THE RULES: A WORLD OF EMF PUBLICATION

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I am happy to say that after a couple of days recovering from jet lag I am on track to have Ignoring the Rules: An Intriguing Approach to Resolving Calcium Toxicity available for purchase within the week.

Details on this inaugural World of EMF Booklet can be found here.

While I have other World of EMF Booklets in the planning I am going to focus on fiction.

Dream Keeper, a Dragon Core story will be available Autumn 2021.

Stay tuned!

BRINGING INFORMATION TO LIGHT: RELEASE UPDATE

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I mentioned recently that new information has me delaying the release of Ignoring the Rules: An Intriguing Approach to Resolving Calcium Toxicity.  Thanks to a recent trip I’ve gained additional perspective which I’ll be editing into the booklet today.  The intention is to have the booklet available for purchase by Sunday.

Despite being condensed this booklet will be comprehensive; thus, the delay.

As this trip took me to a place with geology that is significantly different than where I live for a number of reasons including mineral makeup in the soil, I had the opportunity to observe a number of EMF related experiences including the fact that after years, I was draining the battery in my cell phone at an accelerated rate.

I did not, however, have a relapse of EMF Sensitivity.

As this falls under the Gremlin Effect details will appear in an upcoming booklet on esoteric EMFs.

Another experience validated the migraine remedy I write about in Ignoring the Rules.  For the first time in decades I not only did not get a migraine prior to a thunderstorm, I experienced no change in the 48 hours prior to its occurrence.

Details about these barometric pressure migraines are in Ignoring the Rules, as is the cure I discovered!

What made this particularly significant is that there was a great deal of electromagnetic activity in the form of lightning.  

This is exactly the type of weather that would have sent me to the ER!

I also got an opportunity to validate my observations on the impact of 5G on EMF Sensitivity.

Which I have been researching for the previous two years.

All of this will be in Ignoring the Rules.

Fiction Update.  On another note I am renaming The Day Before to Dream Keeper.  It will still fall under the Dragon Core umbrella.

The Day Before was a working title so changing the name isn’t that big a deal when the story is still being written.

I experienced another interesting phenomenon that touches on how EMF Sensitivity can affect the creative process.  As I write in Ignoring the Rules as well as Calcium: The Old Man Mineral and Its Role in EMF Sensitivity, calcium toxicity can interfere with psi abilities, including instinct.

At best, your ability to connect to gut instinct is dulled.  At the extreme, as I write in Riding the Waves: Diagnosing, Treating, and Living with EMF Sensitivity, you lose all psi ability including being able to tap instinct.

I also wrote in those books how the remedies and ultimately the cure restored everything.

How this played into Dream Keeper is as follows: 

After finishing the second draft of the Dragon Core story I set it aside to get Ignoring the Rules ready for release.  Eventually I set that side to focus on the trip which was more or less a vacation.

I never really go on vacation.  Too busy absorbing the world around me, how I’m being affected, observing, experiencing.

At one point it occurred to me that there was a serious flaw with the Dream Keeper plot.

I’d known for weeks “something” was off but couldn’t put my finger on it.

A bit of contemplation and I was able to figure out what I needed to fix.

Thankfully, it wasn’t too much.

Even as I was willing I wasn’t looking forward to seeing how much of the original story I needed to rip out to accommodate this plot tweak.  Turns out I needn’t have worried.

Thank you gut instinct!

I have a feeling my subconscious mind was in touch with that instinct all along because as I started the edit process I saw that I’d already included elements that are ideal for this plot tweak!

To the extent I got chills when I read them! It was as if I’d planned it all along.

I realized as I was staring in shock at something so perfect I couldn’t believe – it was further evidence my unconventional approach to calcium toxicity is right on!

The creative process is driven by the same elements as gut instinct, something I will be writing about in an upcoming booklet on esoteric EMFs!

There’s more work to do on Dream Keeper but as I already paved the way for the plot tweak I can honestly say it is low stress.

Dream Keeper is on track for an Autumn 2021 release.

Stay tuned!

BRINGING A STORY TO LIFE: CONTAGIOUS JOY

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Note:  This article is a nod to the couple at the Hella Mega tour whose energy was infectious and inspiring!

After weeks of almost nonstop work I was looking forward to getting a break at the Hella Mega show.  

The weather was perfect, the atmosphere around the stadium mellow yet festive, the bands way cool.

It turns out the show was not only an opportunity to relax, it was a chance to confirm a few facts.

In other words, work.

As I’m in the process of releasing a book that’s part of the World of EMF it makes sense that at least part of my focus was on how I was feeling in a stadium filled with technology.  As I sat listening to Wheezer, looking up at a blue sky, I realized I felt completely 100% normal for the first time in I don’t remember.

The psychological toll EMF Sensitivity can take on a person means that even after physical symptoms are gone there’s a bit of PTSD to deal with.

I looked around at the sheer number of cell phones, the stage setup, thought of all the tech at the food and beverage stands and the fact that being in downtown Seattle, I was exposed to a lot of WiFi including 5G,  And yet I felt totally fine.

Rather than return to my seat after eating I decided to enjoy the show from a higher perch where I could do some people watching.

One of a writer’s favorite activities.

I took in the energy of the place, the ages of the fans, noting how many cross-generational groups there were and how cool that was in terms of bringing people together for fun.  

Sanity Check.  Though I’d been enjoying myself I kept taking an internal pulse as if I couldn’t believe how good and how normal I felt.  Recognizing this might become a bit too distracting and I’d actually stop enjoying myself if I wasn’t careful I tried to redirect my focus to just enjoying the music.

Health Check.  The sun hadn’t even set when the stadium became filled with thousands of cell phone lights.  Unfortunately, as cool as it was, it was a reminder that there was a time not long ago I couldn’t have been in such an environment without being sick. 

The thought definitely distracted me from the show.

After acknowledging this truth I again confirmed I felt completely fine and tried to redirect my focus to the music.

Fun Check.  Well the universe must have been listening because the next thing I know my focus was on the most enthusiastic couple I have seen in decades.  

Not since the H. O. R. D. E. Festival at Pine Knob.

Standing not far from me they  held hands while they danced, periodically looking at each other with smiles that rivaled the cell phones in lighting up the space.  

The joy just spilled out of them.

Reality Check.  A most interesting thing happened.  Like with the cell phone lights, seeing their energy and enthusiasm, their pure joy at being alive and being together – connected to the joy of thousands of others – I again became aware of how normal I felt only this time instead of bringing my focus back to EMF Sensitivity it took me to  that same joy.

The joy of being connected to thousands gathered for fun, the joy of being connected to happiness.

With that energy going through me I saw the musicians in a new light, taking in not only the energy with which they moved around the stage but the happiness they radiated.

They were very happy to be there.

I then noted the happiness of the stadium guy standing at the top of the aisle where my seat was, of the woman who poured a cabernet for me, of the couples sitting at the tables throughout the Club Level where I was standing.

The couple continued dancing, smiling, sharing their joy with any and all who might be close enough to see them.

Trust me, it was contagious.  I saw lots and lots of smiles after people caught sight of them.

In addition to feeling the happiness I was treated to another bonus being near them, inspiration. 

A creative’s best friend.

Not one to miss an opportunity to write I pulled out my phone and typed notes that will find their way into an upcoming Port Gallatan story.  Just like the World of EMF and the Hella Mega experience, it will be a story with a happy ending.

Stay tuned.

As a result of new information gained by going to the concert I will be adding content to the upcoming book Ignoring the Rules: An Intriguing Approach to Resolving Calcium Toxicity. This will push the release date.

FICTION/NON UPDATE

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I’m pleased to announce my nonfiction work regarding calcium toxicity is on track to be available for purchase within the week.

This includes how champagne and tequila can make all the difference when rebuilding your health after heavy metal poisoning.

I’ve decided on a couple of changes.

  • Umbrella

As there are a variety of EMFs (technological, atmospheric, geologic, esoteric) and I have experience with all, publications will be branded under The World of EMF.

Published material will be rebranded to reflect this update.

  • Title

The working title Calcium: Mineral, Metal, Electrolyte has been changed to Ignoring the Rules: An Intriguing Approach to Calcium Toxicity.

  • Nomenclature

I am changing Data Sheets to Booklets when describing these shorter nonfiction works that fall under The World of EMF umbrella.

In regards to fiction.  I’m setting the current draft of The Day Before aside.

Though this is on track for an Autumn 2021 release, taking a break allows me to do future edits with fresh eyes.

I am returning to Aton, second in the Colony Series.

This will be a 2021 release.

I have other projects in the works.

Stay tuned!

BRINGING IT ALTOGETHER: UPDATE

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Just finished a first draft mockup for the book cover for The Day Before, a Dragon Core novel. 

I finished the first draft of The Day Before last night just before dinner.

It was a much needed break from the intensity of Calcium: Mineral, Metal, Electrolyte which is the first nonfiction work I’ve done outside a blog entry in years.

It’s the inaugural Data Sheet, shorter works that are topic specific nonfiction pieces.

Inside Outside.  As I was about to type that nonfiction is more difficult than fiction I paused.  There is an exception.  My doctoral thesis was not as challenging as the nonfiction books I’ve written and not because of length.  Nonfiction books targeted at a specific market are a far cry from a thesis which is ostensibly waxing poetic about a subject near and dear to your heart, one you are not only passionate about but are willing to defend.

It isn’t easy reopening a chapter that I’d closed out but since the book isn’t finished I know it’s appropriate.  

I may not have EMF Sensitivity but I’m still learning about the impact of EMs on health and well-being and I did discover a cure for pressure-induced migraines.

And necessary.

I am passionate about helping others.

The hardest part is dealing with the memory of difficult times.

Though at this point it’s more like hitting a bruise than ripping off a scab.

The benefit to releasing the upcoming Data Sheet is not only do I get to help others, which really makes me feel good, I get a much needed break from the first draft of the novel.

It is important to set the story aside for a few weeks after which I come back with fresh eyes.

I’m pleased with how the Data Sheet focused on calcium and its effect on health and well-being is coming along.  

It’s too early to give a release date beyond late summer/early fall 2021.

Stay tuned!

BRINGING A STORY TO LIFE: IN THE MOOD

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Timing isn’t always everything.  

I’ve spent the past week doing some serious multi-tasking and as things seemed to have settled down a bit I set my energies to finishing a scene I’d set aside because it isn’t the type of scene I wanted to work on while distracted.

An intimacy scene.

So much for best laid plans.  I’d no sooner gotten started when I got a text from the dentist with links to forms that needed filling out.  

I can honestly say the dentist doesn’t bring to mind the energies of romance or intimacy.

Finished with that I took a break to get a snack which reminded me I needed to come up with an idea for dinner.  Finished with that I set back to work on the scene when I got another text asking me to review a web change.

Not happy with the image I explained what needed to change then went back to the scene.  Andddd… another text regarding a separate dental form.

Back to the scene and – another text with the updated web image.  That one needed a slight tweak so I spent some time on that.  Happy with how it turned out I sat down to work on the scene only to find I’d lost the romance energy thread.  

Like seriously?

Amused I decided I would give readers a glimpse of how it might go for a writer in a typical day.

It is an entertaining consideration – all these interruptions – but the post does serve another purpose.  In putting it down on paper, the distraction – the idea of it – is no longer in my mind.

NOW I can go back to the scene!

The Day Before, a Dragon Core story is on track for an Autumn 2021 release.

Stay tuned!